White Rock Reservoir - 2007 Survey Report

Prepared by Raphael Brock and Thomas Hungerford
Inland Fisheries Division
District 2-D, Fort Worth, Texas

This is the authors' summary from a 31-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in White Rock Reservoir were surveyed in 2004, 2006, and 2007 using electrofishing, in 2007 using trap nets and in 2008 using gill nets. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

White Rock Reservoir, a 1,088-acre impoundment located on White Rock Creek (a tributary of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River), was constructed in 1910 by the City of Dallas as a municipal water supply; presently it is used only for recreation and flood control. The upper portion of the reservoir was dredged in 1998 and 1999 increasing the average depth of that area to 5 feet. Angler and boat access is adequate. Outboard motors on White Rock Reservoir can be no more than 10.5 HP. However, boats with larger motors can utilize the reservoir using their trolling motors. There are two handicap specific facilities on the reservoir. At the time of sampling the fishery habitat was primarily native emergent vegetation and cut bank.

Management History

Important sport fish include largemouth bass, white crappie, and channel catfish. All fish species are managed under statewide length and bag limits. White Rock Reservoir is a truly urban fishery. This is evident by the results of an annual creel survey, conducted in 2005-2006, which indicated 96% of the angling effort on White Rock Reservoir comes from bank anglers and that 50% of the anglers were seeking “anything.”

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard and threadfin shad are present in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch rates of these species are above averages of other district reservoirs. The total catch rate of bluegill has increased over the past couple of years, while the catch rate of longear sunfish has fluctuated over the last three years.
• Catfishes: Channel catfish are present in the reservoir. Catch rates were high compared to historic averages. No blue catfish were collected despite a 2007 stocking. Flathead catfish are present but none were captured this past survey year.
• White bass: Past gill netting surveys have indicated a small population of white bass present in White Rock Reservoir. Spring gill netting surveys conducted in 2008 continue to confirm this fact with white bass being caught at a low rate.
• Largemouth bass: The electrofishing catch rate of largemouth bass has varied in abundance but the rates were above the district average. The catch rate of fish > 14 inches in length was very high the past two samples. Growth rates are fast.
• White crappie: The white crappie population is high in abundance and quality. The population exhibits fluctuations in abundance with trap net catch rates lower than in previous years but still much higher than the average of other district reservoirs.

Management Strategies

• Try to re-establish relationship with the White Rock Lake Foundation, Dallas Parks and Recreation Department to improve fishing access sites and signage. Conduct baseline fish tissue contaminant sampling to determine if further testing is warranted.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-30-R-33 Statewide Freshwater Fisheries Monitoring and Management Program